NBA Rumors: The Chicago Bulls have traded Jimmy Butler to the Minnesota Timberwolves in exchange for the No. 7 pick, Kris Dunn and Zach LaVine
After weeks and weeks of speculation, the Chicago Bulls have officially traded Jimmy Butler. According to multiple reports, with ESPN’s Marc Stein being the first to report, the Bulls are trading Jimmy Butler to the Minnesota Timberwolves in exchange for Kris Dunn and Zach LaVine.
The two teams will also reportedly swap first-round picks, which means the Wolves will pick No. 16 and the Bulls will select No. 7 in the NBA Draft.
Before today, the Bulls and Cleveland Cavaliers had recently discussed a potential deal for Butler. However, it appears that the Cavs simply didn’t have the assets to make this a reality, something that the Wolves clearly did.
More from Sir Charles In Charge
- Dillon Brooks proved his value to Houston Rockets in the 2023 FIBA World Cup
- NBA Trade Rumors: 1 Player from each team most likely to be traded in-season
- Golden State Warriors: Buy or sell Chris Paul being a day 1 starter
- Does Christian Wood make the Los Angeles Lakers a legit contender?
- NBA Power Rankings: Tiering all 30 projected starting point guards for 2023-24
"[via The Vertical]Chicago is finalizing a deal to send Jimmy Butler to Minnesota for Zach LaVine, Kris Dunn and No. 7 pick, league source says.Deal has been agreed in principle. Butler is rejoining Tom Thibodeau."
During last year’s NBA Draft, there were numerous reports that indicated that Butler was nearly traded to Minnesota. Though, that deal fell through. Not this time around.
After falling flat on his face during his first year in Minnesota, it appears that Tom Thibodeau was determined to land his guy this time around.
Butler and Thibodeau played together for Butler’s first four NBA years. Question is, will Thibs be able to make it work with him in Minnesota. Last season, after being the darlings of the summer, the Wolves turned in a disappointing 31-51 season.
On the other hand, the Bulls made the playoffs but fought through (reported) turmoil between head coach Fred Hoiberg and a few of the key players (including Butler).
On the surface, this isn’t a great return for the Bulls. LaVine has had a solid first few years in the NBA, but is coming off a knee injury. Kris Dunn, after being selecting in the top 10 of last year’s NBA Draft had a disappointing rookie season.